Crime Writer Madeleine Eskedahl Hosts Guided Tour of Inspiration

Readers of crime fiction can look forward to an immersive experience this coming November, as bestselling author Madeleine Eskedahl invites fans to explore the settings that have shaped her acclaimed works. The guided tour, aptly named the Matakana Mystery Tour, will take place on November 30, 2023, and will feature locations central to her latest novel, Angels of Clay, the third installment in her popular Matakana series.

Eskedahl’s latest book draws inspiration from the historical presence of thousands of US Marines in the Warkworth area during World War II. Her research into this period delves into the social dynamics and romances that flourished between local women and the visiting servicemen. Some of these narratives end on a note of joy, while others carry a more somber tone, reflecting the complex emotions associated with wartime relationships.

“Places often trigger my imagination,” Eskedahl shared. “I’ll see a spot and know exactly what I’d like to have happen there.” This connection between location and narrative is a hallmark of her writing, making the tour a unique opportunity for fans to engage with the landscapes that inspired her storytelling.

The Matakana Mystery Tour will cover notable sites, including Point Wells, Omaha, and Tawharanui. Participants will gather at 10:30 AM and conclude the day with a light lunch at Ravish, paired with a glass of wine at The Vintry, wrapping up around 2 PM. This event is part of the festivities surrounding the Matakana Book Festival, further enriching the literary culture of the region.

Born in Sweden, Eskedahl has made New Zealand her home for over 30 years. When not engaged in her writing, she dedicates time to conservation efforts as a “Penguin Ranger,” monitoring the endangered Little Penguins along the Leigh coast. Her debut novel, Blood on Vines, released in 2021, marked the beginning of the Matakana series and quickly secured a spot on the Whitcoulls Top 100 list. It was followed by her second book, Rings on Water, and now Angels of Clay, which follows a killer in a quiet coastal town, unveiling a hidden truth from the past.

Eskedahl is already working on the next installment, titled Circle of Death, promising to continue the gripping narrative threads that have captivated her readers.

Tickets for the Matakana Mystery Tour are available for purchase online at www.trybooking.com.nz/baaz, offering fans a chance to step into the world of Eskedahl’s fiction while experiencing the beauty of the New Zealand landscape.